TAMBUNAN: Sabah Day is another official historical and significant event not just for today’s Sabahans, but also past and future generations to come, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said efforts were made to mark the occasion several years ago until it became the talk of town and came up for discussion, including among State political leaders.
“Fully aware of the importance of this day, the State Government decided to re-create Sabah Day celebration in the State.
“Six decades have passed, the decision we made today, although a bit late, but as the English proverb says, ‘it is better late than never!’
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“However, the celebration became overshadowed by the National Day celebration also on the same date.
“So after a long time, this year and on this day (Aug 31), we celebrate Sabah Day again as it was celebrated 60 years ago,” Hajiji said, when officiating the Sabah Day celebration at Pisompuruan Square hall, here, Thursday.
Sabah Day was declared by last British Governor Sir William Goode on Aug. 28, 1963 in Jesselton, to have its own government using the new State Constitution, effective on August 31, 1963.
In accordance with the declaration, Hajiji said each district was instructed to make preparations to hold a celebration in conjunction with Sabah Day on Aug. 31, 1963.
“The positive development that took place before Aug. 31, sixty years ago had connection with the referendum campaign conducted by the Cobbold Commission for the people of North Borneo (Sabah), started in February 1962, in regards to an establishment of a new country called the Federation of Malaysia.
“The four regions involved in the unification effort were Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore,” he said.
In the context of Sabah, Hajiji said majority of the people in the state favoured merger with the other three regions, namely Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore, to establish the Federation of Malaysia.
“Behind the history of the struggle to free our homeland from colonial shackles, today we should take a positive approach in the name of national sovereignty and dignity.
“Thus, the decision taken by the State Government to hold the celebration again is to commemorate the day that marks the end of the British colonial rule in the land of Sabah. Sarawak earlier declared July 22 every year as Sarawak Day,” he said.
Hajiji said this important and historic Sabah Day that took place 60 years ago is very meaningful and must not be forgotten.
He said Sabah’s history not only needs to be preserved, but must be lived by all the people so that they do not forget past history about the formation of the government and the existence of the state of Sabah which is legal and constitutional.
“The British government had given us the way to shape our own future, and the path is wide open without any strife or bloodshed.
“With the formation of own Sabah government in addition to the adoption of the new State Constitution, it was a prelude to a bigger declaration which was the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.
Hajiji said the Sabah Day celebration is also proof of the unyielding spirit of Sabahans.
“It is a recognition of our unique culture, tradition and philosophy that has shaped us into what we are today - a pluralist society that is united in the diversity of cultures in society.
“In the spirit of National Day and Sabah Day on this very historic day, I call on today’s generation to appreciate and remember the services and devotion of our previous leaders and security forces who had risked their lives, to ensure our safety, prosperity and wellbeing.
“Let us celebrate this auspicious day with full of gratitude for the blessings given to us as the fortunate indigenous generations including the children, whom are always in a state of peace, progressive and moving forward.
“Remember, the peace, prosperity and wellbeing that we have been enjoying must be preserved and maintained so that it can be passed down to future generations,” he said. The 60th anniversary of Sabah Merdeka Memorial at Pisompuruan Square, Tambunan.
Hajiji said the combination of national and state development policies that are consistent and in sync have put Sabah on the right track to continue to progress and move forward
He said, as a partner that formed the Federation of Malaysia, Sabah would continue to maintain close relations with Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, especially with the Federal Government.
“Since Malaysia was established six decades ago, much progress has been achieved, but there are still many shortcomings that need to be pursued to bridge the development gap between the three regions that combined to form Malaysia today, namely the Malay Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
“Our struggle to fill up independence is an ongoing process. Progress and development are things that must be implemented for the people’s wellbeing.
“The idea of ‘Malaysia Madani’, which is a pillar of the country’s administration under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya Development (SMJ) Plan which has been the State Government’s policy for the past three years.
“We have gone through various tests and successes in the past six decades, but nothing is more refreshing than the spirit we are born with today. It is a spirit that represents the voice and will of the Sabah people.
“It is a spirit that is in line with the goals of the state government under the leadership of the Unity Government - that is, we are determined to be a government for the people who share the dreams of the people of Sabah,” Hajiji said.
He said the State Government today, under the administration of the Unity Government, is trying to improve the economy and the standard living of the people.
“Our goal is clear, which is to prioritise the interests and wellbeing of the people. As part of the Unity Government at the Federal level, we recognize the importance of the close relationship between the state government and the Federal government continuing to be strengthened, in order to achieve development progress and economic prosperity.
“We believe that with that familiar relationship it will facilitate all matters and demands, whether it involves the Malaysia Agreement (MA63) or other matters related to development and nationhood,” he said.
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